SkillBridge programs for transitioning service members
DoD SkillBridge lets service members spend up to their last 180 days of service in civilian training, apprenticeships or internships with approved industry partners, with approval from their unit commander. Approval is at the command's discretion, and services can set shorter limits. Some partners also offer programs to veterans and spouses on different terms. The listings below are SkillBridge programs or say they accept SkillBridge participants. Source: DoD SkillBridge (checked Oct 4, 2026).
21 programs listed. 15 are free with no VA benefit needed, 4 are free or paid through a VA benefit (GI Bill, VR&E or VET TEC 2.0), and 2 are paid or have unclear cost. Last checked Sep 30 to Oct 4, 2026.
Use the program finder to filter by who you are, your benefits, state and format. Questions about benefits? See the FAQ.
Check before you apply: details change often, so confirm on each program's official page. Verify details = some details not fully confirmed.
Programs (21)
- DoD SkillBridge
U.S. Department of Defense · Free
Internships/apprenticeships during last 180 days of service
- Employer SkillBridge internships and fellowships (12 companies)
BAE Systems, Boeing, CVS Health, General Dynamics Mission Systems, General Dynamics NASSCO, Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (KCNSC), Kiewit, Lockheed Martin, Oracle, RTX, Schneider Electric, UnitedHealth Group · Free
DoD SkillBridge internships and Hiring Our Heroes fellowships at large employers (aerospace and defense, shipbuilding, healthcare, retail, tech, energy and construction). You…
- Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program (CFP)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation · Free
12-week corporate fellowship (SkillBridge) with host company + weekly PD
- Lowe's SkillBridge Fellowship
Lowe's · Free
12-week DoD SkillBridge fellowship (40 hours/week) in store management, supply chain or corporate roles during your last 120 days of service, with training and mentorship…
- The Home Depot Military Fellowship Program (SkillBridge / Hiring Our Heroes)
The Home Depot · Free
Hands-on fellowship on real projects in corporate, supply chain, technology or store teams, with a veteran community and help with resumes, interviewing and networking
- Microsoft Military Datacenter Pathway (MDP) - SkillBridge
Microsoft Military Affairs with Hiring Our Heroes · Free
12-week full-time virtual SkillBridge program in datacenter operations (electrical, mechanical and IT systems) with hands-on training, Microsoft mentors and certifications such…
- Fairfax County Police Department SkillBridge
Fairfax County Police Department · Free
SkillBridge into the Fairfax County police academy; hiring incentive (up to $15,000 listed) and full pay after transition
- Norman (OK) Police Department SkillBridge
Norman Police Department · Free
Start the police academy while still on active duty, then be hired; VA education benefits (housing allowance) can be used during the academy and field training
- Seattle Police Department SkillBridge
Seattle Police Department · Free
150-180 day SkillBridge through the Washington Basic Law Enforcement Academy and into a police officer job; signing bonus and $103K+ starting pay listed
- UA Veterans in Piping (VIP) - welding, HVACR and fire sprinkler SkillBridge
United Association (UA) of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters · Free
720-hour DoD SkillBridge course in welding, HVACR or fire suppression at select bases; graduates are placed into a UA local apprenticeship
- VIPER A&P program - free FAA A&P with a job offer Verify details
VIPER Transitions · Free
Free 10-week FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) training and certification course with a job offer from a partner company (e.g. airlines, Gulfstream)
- John Deere Military Hiring Program (dealer technician SkillBridge internships) Verify details
John Deere and John Deere dealerships · Free
SkillBridge internships at John Deere dealerships with free John Deere technician training, leading to dealership technician jobs; Deere handles much of the SkillBridge paperwork…
- Hiring Our Heroes Skills-Based Fellowships / Training
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation · Free
12-week SkillBridge skills-based fellowship with host company
- NRAEF restaurant management apprenticeship for veterans (GI Bill approved)
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) · Free
Restaurant management registered apprenticeship and Restaurant Manager SkillBridge (12 weeks of e-instruction plus supervised work); approved for the Post-9/11 GI Bill with a…
- Hiring Our Heroes Skilled Trades Academy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation - Hiring Our Heroes · Free
Free hands-on trades training with industry certifications and employer connections. Tracks: construction (6 weeks full-time; credentials may include OSHA 30, NCCER Core, DOT…
- Airstreams Renewables - wind and communications tower technician Verify details
Airstreams Renewables, Inc. · Cost unclear (Tuition not posted; SkillBridge approved and approved for VA education benefits)
240-hour Renewable Energy and Communications Tower Technician program with climber/rescue, OSHA 10, first aid/CPR, working at heights, fiber optic and electrical certificates…
- Solar Energy International - military and veteran solar training Verify details
Solar Energy International (SEI) · Cost unclear (Veteran scholarships available; amounts not stated)
Solar training toward NABCEP credentials; veteran scholarships and a SkillBridge Solar Ready Vets program for the last 90-180 days of service
- Lincoln Tech SkillBridge: Johnson Controls fire protection and Hussmann refrigeration technician Verify details
Lincoln Tech with Johnson Controls and Hussmann · Cost unclear (Cost not stated on the page (employer-partnered SkillBridge); confirm with Lincoln Tech)
Employer-partnered SkillBridge training: 6-week Electronic Fire Protection Technician program with Johnson Controls, or 8-week commercial refrigeration (HVAC-R) program with…
- Workshops for Warriors - CNC machining and welding school Verify details
Workshops for Warriors (nonprofit school) · Cost unclear (Tuition not posted; programs are eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill and DoD SkillBridge)
16-week CNC machining and welding programs with nationally recognized credentials (e.g. AWS, NIMS) and career services
- Flex Air Aviation Maintenance SkillBridge (A&P)
Flex Air · Paid; GI Bill / VR&E may cover it (Paid; TA, CA or GI Bill can cover)
60-180 day aviation maintenance SkillBridge; A&P course can be paid with Tuition Assistance, Credentialing Assistance or GI Bill
- Troops Into Transportation - CDL training (The CDL School)
Troops Into Transportation / The CDL School · Paid; GI Bill / VR&E may cover it (GI Bill approved; tuition not posted)
About 4-week Class A CDL and ELDT training at locations nationwide (including SkillBridge sites); some carriers reimburse veterans who used VA benefits